Model Year | 2012 | 2009 | |
Model | Subaru Forester | Volkswagen Passat | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 224 hp@5600 226 lb-ft@3600 |
turbocharged 2.0L I4 DOHC-4v 200 hp@5100 207 lb-ft@1800 |
|
Transmission | 4-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD | |
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 103.0 in | 106.7 in | -3.7 in |
Length | 179.5 in | 188.0 in | -8.5 in |
Width | 70.1 in | 71.7 in | -1.6 in |
Height | 65.9 in | 59.7 in | 6.2 in |
Curb Weight | 3440 lb. | 3512 lb. | -72 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 18.5 gal. | -1.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 41.6 in | 38.3 in | 3.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 56.1 in | 55.7 in | 0.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 43.1 in | 41.4 in | 1.7 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 40.0 in | 38.6 in | 1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.6 in | 54.6 in | 1 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.0 in | 37.7 in | 0.3 in |
Total Legroom | 81.1 in (over 2 rows) | 79.1 in (over 2 rows) | 2 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 33.5 ft3 | 35.8 ft3 | -2.3 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 68.3 ft3 | 61.7 ft3 | 6.6 ft3 |
2012 Subaru Forester Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr SUV 170-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
The rear seat room is generous. see full Subaru Forester review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD |
Comfortable power seats with power lumbar adjustment. Good side support, and with the tilting/telescoping steering wheel - easy to find a comfortable driving position. Also has easy to use steering wheel controls for the cars stereo/trip computer. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Compared to other sporty wagons (BMW, Subaru) the Passat has about 3" more rear leg room - enough to put my full-size parents and/or friends in the back seat without making them do contortions. Easier to get a child in and out of a rear safety seat, too. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Lots of rear legroom and space for car seats. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Extremely comfortable front drivers seat w/ 12 way electronic adjustment. Able to find perfect driving position. Very little fatigue even after 12 - 14 hours of driving (taking breaks for food / gas of course). Lumbar adjusts both up/down and in/out. see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
This version of the Passat can easily fit 3 across seating in the rear see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Wagon turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
More than large enough for American size bodies! see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Passat provided more interior space especially in the rear than the Audi A4 see full Volkswagen Passat review |
2009 Volkswagen Passat Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD |
very restrictive space see full Volkswagen Passat review |